Meet the South End Creative Lab Winners of 2017

July 5, 2017 3:37 pm

Eight weeks ago we announced the 2017 round of creative micro-grants, the South End Creative Lab. We didn’t know what to expect. Would we see new ideas and meet new people who want to add something neat to the streets of South End?

YES!

This round of the South End Creative Lab received a record 21 proposals, and we are thrilled to introduce you to the 11 winning projects, and people, who will be bringing color and fun to a corner of South End near you.

Check them out!

________________________________

Amplify the Signal

Dull utility boxes at street corners will be transformed into public art

“My goal is to activate these underappreciated canvases by turning them one, by one, into beautiful works of public art. Not only will this improve the streetscape, but it will also be an opportunity to define some of South End’s most iconic intersections with location specific art.”

Laurie won grant support last year for her project Beautiful Utilities, which proposed wrapping this box, at the corner of South Boulevard and East-West Boulevard, with her artwork. We love it, and now she’ll be at it again. Look for more art coming to some of the grey boxes of South End soon.

________________________________

Camo What –

Cover a drab fence along the Rail Trail with colorful art that blends the structure into the surroundings and animates with color.

“Some of South End is a little disheveled with graffiti and worn broken spots. When graffiti disappears, and new public art happens, community is revived.”

________________________________

Creating a Bubble World with Art

The family-oriented event will let kids spend an afternoon painting t-shirts and a temporary wall mural with “bubble art.”

Creative Lab Winner: Melissa Ratliff

How does this make South End better?

“An event like this will provide meaningful and family-oriented connection to the South End area. Although the project and activities would only last a couple of hours, families will enter a bubble world that creates lasting memories.”

________________________________

Historical Mural: Catawba Native Americans

Brand the Moth and artist Miouxnie West will design a mural inspired by the Catawba Native Americans for a building in the Gold District of South End.

“Everyone could use a little humor and fun, especially on a rainy day.”

________________________________

Outdoor Living Room on the Rail Trail

Two benches with light clusters between them will be installed near Shook Kelley on the Rail Trail.

Creative Lab Winner: Philip Sanford

How does this make South End better?

“This will make the Rail Trail feel more comfortable and it will solve one of the big issues at this part of the Rail Trail, a lack of lighting.”

________________________________

Pop-Up Play Space by Charlotte CREATIVE Re:use

A pop-up playground using re-purposed and recycled materials for kids to learn and explore

Creative Lab Winners: Sherry Sample and Marina Badir

How does this make South End better?

“South End lacks space for kids to play outside with other kids in an environment that flexes their creative muscles, allows for self-discovery, and peer collaboration. We envision a South End that embraces families with children in a way that moves beyond corn hole at a brewery or mindless time on a smartphone.”

________________________________

South End Textile Renaissance

A pop-up DIY fabric dye studio where you can explore dye techniques and design your own artwork

Creative Lab Winner: Christine Lukowitsch

How does this make South End better?

“Kids of all ages love putting color on fabric and it’s even more fun as a community activity. On a deeper level, I wish to honor South End’s roots in the textile industry by promoting sustainable fashion.”

________________________________

South End Verses 2

The team behind South End Verses, a collaborative art and text installation on Remount Road, will receive support for two more rounds of South End Verse collaborations.

“Revitalized areas bring people together – bring them outside, interacting, proud to take care of their neighborhood. Sometimes art is a lightening rod or political. Sometimes, it is quiet and unites.”

“This project will bring awareness to the South End community regarding the authentic and innovative programs such as UMAR Arts that live right in the local neighborhood. Yarn bombing will add an unexpected cheer, creative thought, and inspiration to the average day which are qualities our UMAR participants with disabilities bring to those they encounter daily.”